Where Does It Hurt: Swimmer's Shoulder

Jun 22, 2015

Question:
My right shoulder has been hurting during my swim workouts for the past
few months. Recently, my shoulder has been aching almost all the time
and seems to be aggravated by any reaching or lifting activity and wakes
me up if I turn on my right side in my sleep. My shoulder no longer tolerates
any swimming at all. I’ve been a swimmer for most of my life and
don’t want to give it up. Will I ever be able to swim again?

Answer: Swimmer’s shoulder is the swimmer’s version of a common
shoulder inflammatory condition known as impingement syndrome. This condition
occurs as a result of impingement (pinching) of soft tissues between the
head of the humerus and the coracoacromial arch (bone and ligament overlying
the top of the humerus). The pinched, inflamed tissues may include bursa,
the biceps long head tendon, or the supraspinatus tendon of the rotator
cuff. The repetitive overhead motion of the freestyle stroke is the most
common cause of swimmer’s shoulder. Swimming technique can influence
the amount of impingement that occurs, therefore, correction of faulty
technique will be a critical factor in your successful return to swimming.
I am not a swimmer so I recommend consulting a swim coach for tips on
your technique. However, as a general rule during freestyle swimming,
you should try to avoid overreaching, avoid crossing midline as your hand
enters the water and maintain a more externally rotated position of your
shoulder during recovery.

Other factors that may contribute to swimmer’s shoulder include
tightness of chest and shoulder musculature, weakness of scapular and
rotator cuff musculature, and overtraining (continuing to swim with fatigued muscles).

Before you get back in the water, you need to allow the inflammation of
your shoulder tissues to subside. Avoid activities that involve reaching
or lifting up, away from, or across the body. Maintain full shoulder range
of motion with gentle stretching and apply ice for 10-15 minutes 3-4 times a day.

As symptoms start to decrease you can begin light strengthening exercises,
especially inter-scapular strengthening (to promote better posture) and
strengthening of the rotator cuff musculature. This is best achieved with
light weights, focusing on specific muscles. Apply ice after exercise.

When you have been pain-free for 2-3 weeks you can gradually return to
swimming. Avoid rapid increases in training distances or frequency of
training. Train with good technique and with a variety of strokes to reduce
the number of repetitions of one particular motion. Consult your doctor
if your pain persists.